Can I borrow more than the house is worth?

Can I borrow more than the house is worth? If I’m pre-approved for up to a $200,000 loan and the house I want to purchase is only $150,000, can I get a loan for $200,000 and use the remaining $50,000 for remodeling?

With home remodeling on the rise, we get asked this question a lot. Unfortunately, that means we have to tell a lot of people that it isn’t possible to borrow more than the house is worth. If the house you are purchasing is $150,000, that’s all the money we can give you in a mortgage. We also find that most of our clients don’t purchase homes at the top of their pre-approval range, since all loans require at least 3-5% down. [bctt tweet=”It isn’t possible to get a mortgage for more than the home you’re buying is worth.” username=”MTGSpecialists”]

However, there are several alternatives you can use to make those coveted remodels sooner rather than later, all without tapping into your home’s equity. Since you’re just purchasing your home, you probably won’t qualify for a home equity loan or line of credit.

So, for new homeowners looking to remodel right away, we recommend the following methods as alternatives to using your home’s equity for a loan or a line of credit.

Personal loan

Personal loans are a popular method to pay for smaller home remodels in the $200-2,000 range. They generally require good to excellent credit to qualify and are shorter loans, think 5-7 years. That means your monthly payments will be higher, but you’ll also be paying less interest overall.

Credit cards

For smaller home remodels, credit cards might be a viable option. While we don’t recommend racking up thousands of dollars in credit card debt, if you can pay off your monthly balance in full, this is the way to go. Generally, this option is best for people who have the money to pay for the remodel, but it’s just not easily accessible. The credit card allows them to get started right away while they gain access to the money to pay it off.

Saving up the money

We know, this one isn’t an immediate option, but it’s our favorite. By saving up for home remodels, you forego having to pay interest at all. This option is best for home remodels that aren’t necessary, think looks rather than functionality. Are those new quartz countertops necessary to cook in the kitchen, or can they wait a year?

The options listed above are great for new homebuyers wanting to remodel immediately. After you’ve been in your home a few years, a home equity loan or line of credit are great options.

As your mortgage lender, we’d love to discuss all of your options with you. To us, it isn’t just about the mortgage but how your mortgage affects your financial goals. Give us a call at (402) 991-5153 to discuss your next mortgage. We’re available to answer your questions at any time, day or night!